With two weeks to go in the 2019 season
Dennis Smith Jersey , the Denver Broncos season is over. When the Tennessee Titans shut out the New York Giants on Sunday, the infinitesimally small chance the Broncos had of making the playoffs vanished.After a nauseating season with more downs than up, Denver should shamble through the next eight quarters with all the dedication and vigor they’ve brought to the previous 14 games. Oof.So what’s next?The one thing that has unified Broncos Country is the desire for Vance Joseph to be fired. For whatever reason, John Elway has elected to torture fans and the coach himself by not putting VJ out of everyone’s misery. The secret is out, everyone knows what a fraud Joseph is and so what does it really matter if he’s allowed to hold his laminated play sheet and wear that headset for the last two games? Players already don’t take him seriously, so what harm can it do?So how about that offense? Case Keenum is just not a starting quarterback. I really wanted him to work out, but I’ll be damned if Jeff Fisher wasn’t right. It’s evident from the plays that were being called for him that Bill Musgrave didn’t trust him and after the Browns game, we see why. Outside of Philip Lindsay and the receivers, there is a great deal of work that’s going to have to go into making this offense an NFL calibur unit. They aren’t even close.It’s depressing to write about how our once great defense has fallen into disrepair. Remember when people were touting Joe Woods as a gifted disciple of Wade Phillips? Clearly that was a lie that I’ll readily admit I fell for. The first step to restoring the defensive roster is to retool the depleted defensive secondary.Safety Darian Stewart and Brandon Marshall’s options for 2019 will likely not be exercised, so those holes will need keen attention in the months ahead.For as excited as I get from year to year about the draft and free agency, I am disappointed and angry that it’s already time to shift into those gears with two games left to play. With nothing to play for going forward, let’s just hope that everyone makes it out of this season healthy... especially the fans. I’m already feeling ill.HORSE TRACKSTitans mathematically eliminate Broncos from playoff contentionIt's all over but the game checks for Denver.Mason's Mailbag: Dymonte Thomas capitalized on shotGiven a chance after working his way into a bigger role, Thomas showed promise in his most extensive work of the season Saturday.Exit Interview: Denver Broncos - The RingerThe Broncos will miss the playoffs this year and run the risk of posting back-to-back losing seasons for the first time in 46 years. Will John Elway and Co. address the head coach and quarterback positions this offseason?Vance Joseph’s fourth-down call vs. Browns highlights Broncos’ struggles | SI.comSaturday night's game in Denver showed two franchises going in opposite directions—a confident Browns team recognizing their opponent’s plays at crucial moments (and boosted by Kobe Bryant’s words) and a slipping Broncos’ team, baffled by their head coach’s decisions.Vance Joseph’s fourth-down call vs. Browns highlights Broncos’ struggles | SI.comSaturday night's game in Denver showed two franchises going in opposite directions—a confident Browns team recognizing their opponent’s plays at crucial moments (and boosted by Kobe Bryant’s words) and a slipping Broncos’ team, baffled by their head coach’s decisions.Kyle Lauletta “just not happy” about move back to No. 3 on depth chart – ProFootballTalkGiants rookie Kyle Lauletta made his NFL debut in garbage time against Washington last week and went 0-5 with an interception to close out the Giants' 40-16 win.Taylor Lewan fined for flipping off sky cam – ProFootballTalkTitans left tackle Taylor Lewan avoided a penalty Sunday, so maybe he'll avoid a fine this week. Then again, his fines over the past two weeks went unpenalized.Buccaneers researching head-coach candidates; Dirk Koetter coveted around NFL as potential coordinator - CBSSports.comBucs offensive coordinator Todd Monken will also be highly sought afterBen Roethlisberger reportedly has cracked ribs, but 'should be fine' going forward - CBSSports.comRoethlisberger sat out most of the second half of last week's loss to the RaidersCardinals mulling sweeping changes: GM Steve Keim could join Raiders, head-coach search likely - CBSSports.comKeim has a personality and reputation that would mesh with Jon Gruden, whose Raiders have a GM opening2019 NFL Draft order: Cardinals No. 1, 49ers fall to fourth with two-game winning streak - CBSSports.comHere's how all the Week 15 results affect the order for the 2019 NFL DraftJosh Johnson on first NFL win: 'It was just a relief' - NFL.comWashington Redskins quarterback Josh Johnson made his first start since 2011 on Sunday, and he made the most of it, earning his first career win.Derrick Henry posts second big day in Titans' win - NFL.comDerrick Henry had a big night on a large stage last week, the type of night no one expects a player to replicate. He came close to doing so Sunday in a win over the New York Giants.Doug Marrone: 'I don't know' if my job is in jeopardy - NFL.comThe Jaguars couldn't be colder, and that could mean Doug Marrone's seat is only getting hotter. Marrone addressed his job security after Jacksonville lost to the Redskins, the Jaguars' ninth defeat in the past 10 games.Steelers thwart Tom Brady, Patriots in implication-laden win - NFL.comThe Steelers not only snapped a three-game skid but exorcised some demons against the Patriots on Sunday. Judy Battista writes how the Pittsburgh defense and a few unsuspecting players on offense rose to the occasion.Aaron Rodgers' record streak without interception ends at 402 pass attemptsGreen Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers' NFL-record streak of 402 consecutive pass attempts without an interception ended in the fourth quarter of Sunday's 24-17 loss to the Chicago Bears.Minnesota Vikings owner Zygi Wilf 'very happy' with coach Mike ZimmerVikings coach Mike Zimmer received a vote of confidence from team owner Zygi Wilf on Sunday after a win over Miami kept Minnesota in the playoff hunt.Chicago Bears clinch first NFC North title since 2010The Bears defeated the Packers 24-17 on Sunday to clinch their first NFC North title since 2010.Mike Tomlin of Pittsburgh Steelers backs Chris Boswell after field goal helps seal victorySteelers kicker Chris Boswell, 61.1 percent on field goals on the year
Terrell Davis Color Rush Jersey , seems to nevertheless now the backing of coach Mike Tomlin after helping seal a 17-10 win over the Patriots with a 48-yarder in the final minutes.Cowboys suffer first shutout loss since 2003 in weak showing vs. ColtsInstead of clinching their second NFC East title in three seasons, the Dallas Cowboys of the first half of the season showed up in their 23-0 loss to the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. There is something ominous about a must-win game in Week Five.That’s where the Denver Broncos sit as they head east to face the New York Jets on Sunday. Yes, there’s that sense for the game, but also for what lies ahead; especially if Denver loses. After New York, in two of the next three games the Broncos host the Los Angeles Rams and are on the road for the Kansas City Chiefs.As Adam Malnati and I talked about on the latest MHR Radio Podcast, if Denver (2-2) gets back on track against the Jets (1-3), it doesn’t guarantee squat, but it’s a heck of a lot better than the alternative. If the Broncos lose, they’re staring down a four-game losing streak, and, in the best case scenario, will win one of six games. Not to compound that ominous sentiment, but Denver’s lack of success on the road doesn’t help. In the last six games played in the East Coast, the Broncos are 1-5. Overall, in the last nine road games they’re 1-8 and 4-13 in the last 17. Buckle up, Broncos Country.Offensive RankingsDenver: Thirteenth in overall offense (383.3 yards), third in rushing (148.3), 19th in passing (235.0) and 25th in points (21.0).New York Jets: Twenty-ninth in overall offense (289.3 yards), tied for 25th in rushing (88.0), 27th in passing (201.3) and 21st in points (22.3).Defense RankingsDenver: Seventeenth in overall defense (366.8 yards), eighth in rushing (93.8), 20th in passing (273.0) and 17th in points (24.3).New York Jets: Thirteenth in overall defense (355.5 yards), 16th in rushing (108.3), 14th in passing (247.3) and 13th in points (22.3).Here are our keys to the game. Run. The. Damn. Ball If you read MHR after the loss to the Chiefs, it seemed all of our stories hammered Bill Musgrave for the lack of running game, play calling and whom he had on the field in key situations. There’s a reason for that — the Broncos offensive coordinator played a major role in their loss. For the life of me, over two days later, I still can’t wrap my head around calling 22 run plays and rookie Royce Freeman gets only eight. Eight freaking carries for a guy Kansas City still hasn’t tackled. And he wasn’t on the field in the most crucial drive of the game midway through the fourth quarter. That has to change on Sunday. As the stats show
https://www.broncosfanstore.com/Steve-Atwater-Jersey , it’s what Denver does well and the Jets can’t stop. Run the damn ball, and get Freeman 15-20 carries. — Ian St. Clair Take advantage of matchups Sign up for FanPulse, our weekly Broncos survey.When the Broncos do pass, Keenum needs to find crossers over the middle of the field. The Jets are an elite pass defense on the boundaries but their backers are exploitable in coverage. I talk about this in GIF Horse, but the Jacksonville Jaguars did this masterfully. — Just_JoRoPaging Von Miller The Broncos need a bounce back game, and their star linebacker is taking a little flack from fans right now. Miller is supposed to be a game changer, but the last two games have seen him vanish a little. With a rookie quarterback under center for the Jets, this seems like the type of game that Miller could tar over. With the lack of turnovers created by the defense, pressure on the QB could lead to a few picks, and strip sacks. Miller needs to be a true game wrecker, and the defense needs to grab some turnovers. — Adam MalnatiPete Trifecta First: Cut Devonte Booker. Any playing time he has is stolen playing time from Freeman and Phillip Lindsay, who I have watched pass block plenty well.Second: Feast on a rookie QB. Listen to Chris Harris Jr and stay aggressive. Don’t give up the easy plays.Third: Start Chad Kelly. Guess what? Last I checked, he hits receivers/tight ends running free down the sideline in stride for touchdowns. He doesn’t overthrow them by a country mile. — Pete Baron Utilize Courtland Sutton One pleasant surprise we got from Monday Night’s loss to the Chiefs was the rookie receiver. He showed us the unique ability to maintain focus on passes, even when wearing defenders as a blanket. This isn’t new to those who have been watching him since training camp, but it is something that should continue. He’s big and strong, and knows how to make plays. I feel like whomever is throwing to him just has to get the ball within his radius and you will get the effort it takes to make the catch. I look for the second- and third-string players to be more impactful this week. There’s too much talent not to take advantage of it. — Casey Barrett Calm the f@$k down! This is for players, coaches and fans. Focus on playing mistake-free football. No hook-and-ladders, no end-arounds (well, OK, one of those with Emmanuel Sanders scoring a touchdown is fine), no putting Shaquil Barrett in coverage downfield. Play aggressive pass-rush defense with the Orange Rush and utilize the playmakers on offense. I know it’s trendy in here to call for more Freeman, and I’m not against that, but mostly I would do anything that takes advantage of Andy Janovich’s talent because he’s the true hero in that rush attack and apparently is damn good catching 32-yard passes too. — Laurie Lattimore-Volkmann The MHR Radio Podcast is now on iTunes, Google Play, Spotify, Stitcher and TuneIn. Please subscribe to the one that fits your fancy, and also rate and review what you hear.What are your keys to victory for the Broncos?